11-15 years

Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives from January 2005 through January 2009.

Founder and Senior Partner of I.G.S., an international consulting and strategic advisory specializing in public and private government affairs in North Eastern United States and Asia.

During his twenty-eight years in local and state government Jim served as Speaker of the House from January 2005 through January 2009. He represented the 118th district in Milford, Connecticut and was the first representative from Milford to hold the positions of Speaker of the House and Majority Leader. As a State Legislator, Amann also chaired the freshman caucus from 1991 through 1993.

As a state legislator Amann served as House Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee from 1993 through 1998, where he sponsored landmark healthcare legislation. Jim also held seats on the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee 1994 - 1999 and the Judiciary Committee 1991 through 2002. Jim’s leadership posts include Deputy House Majority Whip 2001 through 2003 and House Majority Leader in 2003 - 2005.

Born in Bridgeport, Speaker Amann grew up in Milford here he attended local public schools, graduating from Jonathan Law High School. Jim continued his education at the University of New Haven studying criminal justice and has received honorary doctorates from the University of Bridgeport in 2005 and the University of New Haven 2007.

6-10 years

Current Mayor of Wethersfield, CT
Three term Town Councilman
Recipient of Hartford Business Journal's 40 Under 40
Former Board Member of the Glastonbury Sportsman's Assoc.
Current Board Member of the Pine Acres Swim & Tennis Club

Had worked on the "inside" of state government for over 20 years and developed relationships on both sides of the aisle, the Governor's Office and state agencies and Departments

Michael Rell is a government affairs professional with experience in the legislative process and public policy. With nearly a 25 year career in state legislative employment, Mike has amassed extensive experience working collaboratively with state and local elected officials, as well as state agency officials. Prior to joining International Government Strategies, Mike worked as a press secretary for the Senate Republican Caucus, a policy analyst and the Director of Outreach for the House Republican Caucus. Mike served as Vice Chairman of President George W. Bush's Connecticut campaign and has worked on a number of successful federal, statewide and local campaigns.

Mike is currently the Mayor of Wethersfield, CT and has volunteered on a number of boards and commissions, including an appointee of the House Minority Leader to Connecticut's Tobacco and Health Trust Fund Board. Mike served on the Executive Board of the Glastonbury Sportsman's Association, an organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation of our region's natural resources. Mike has extensive experience representing clients on a wide variety of issues including but not limited to: off tribal land casino expansion, labor law, tax credits and exemptions, economic development, bonding, loan securement, education, health care, and the environment.